• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.393-397
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• 2021

The unrecorded fungus Galactomyces pseudocandidus de Hoog & M.T. Sm. was isolated and cultured from an introduced species, Procambarus clarkii, in Korea. Two related species, Galactomyces citri-aurantii and Geotrichum candidum, have been reported, but no other Galactomyces spp. have been found in Korea. In this study, we isolated G. pseudocandidus from the digestive tract of American crayfish using RGY (river water-glucose-yeast) medium and then compared the morphological and molecular characteristics of this species with those of related species. As a result, we confirmed that G. pseudocandidus is an unrecorded fungus in Korea, so we described and reported the cultural characteristics and microstructures, such as conidia.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.331-335
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• 2020

The red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) is native to northeastern Mexico and south-central United States. But the species has been introduced to other parts of the world, and cause ecological problems including habitat destruction and competition with indigenous species. In this study, we identified the distribution of P. clarkii in the freshwater system in Korea. P. clarkii were collected in the field sampling and it is assumed that they have settled in major domestic water systems of Korea including six points in the Yeongsangang River, five points in the Mangyeonggang River, two points in the Seomjingang River, and one point in the Geumgang River. In particular, more than 20 individuals were found in Seobongri, Wanjugun and Mosanri, Hampyeonggun, which are believed to form a relatively large population. Considering high mobility and environmental adaptability of the species, the possibility of their dispersal to other water systems is very high. Therefore, continuous monitoring and assessment of their distribution and potential spread are required and effective management to remove them policy is needed to prevent damage in the Korean ecosystem.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.368-380
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• 2022

Biomonitoring of an invasive alien crayfish species, Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852), was performed from February to October 2021, along with environmental DNA analysis, at five locations including Wanju-gun, Hampyeong-gun, Naju-si, Gurye-gun, and Cheongju-si. For the investigation, an umbrella-shaped trap for adults and a hand net for young crayfish were used, and 8 to 10L of freshwater was collected for eDNA analysis. The current status and past distributional records of crayfish in Korea were analyzed along with benthic macroinvertebrates at each survey site. As a result of the investigation, a total of 122 individuals were identified, and Hampyeong-gun recorded the largest number of populations with 59 individuals (48.36%) and the highest environmental DNA (eDNA). The frequency of appearance of P. clarkii was highest in May. The ratio of females to males was 21:5, and the body size was 72.2±21.1mm for female, 80.5±15.6mm for male, and 25.3±9.8mm for young crayfish. P. clarkii introduced into Korea is mainly spreading in the southwest region and it has not been observed in Seoul where there had been a record of appearance in the past. No external symbiosis (Branchiobdellida) of P. clarkii has been identified, and P. clarkii that has appeared in Korea was presumed to be imported from Japan. There are more than eight kinds of exotic crayfish distributed in Korea, and among them, the marbled crayfish (P. virginalis) was identified as a harmful species to the ecosystem of Korea by the Ministry of Environment in 2021. The identified species of benthic macroinvertebrates inhabiting the survey area where P. clarkii has appeared were 69 belonging to 39 families, 15 orders, five classes, and three phyla. Among them, Odonata were the most abundant (16 spp.; 24.62%), followed by Coleoptera (11 spp.; 16.92%) and Hemiptera (11 spp.; 16.92%). In the survey area, one Korean endemic species (Rhoenanthus coreanus), one species (Helophorus auriculatus) classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the Korean Red List, and six species of Crustaceans appeared. In the functional feeding group, the predators appeared predominantly while in habitat oriented group, the climbers appeared to be abundant. It was confirmed that P. clarkii in the survey area prefers an area rich in aquatic vegetation with waterside vegetation, and has high resistance to turbid water quality. The omnivore invader P. clarkii is expected to maintain a competitive relationship with carnivorous benthic macroinvertebrates that are predominant in the same species, and is expected to continue to generate ecosystem disturbance along the food chains.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.333-339
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• 2019

The Red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii is native to the southern United States and inhibits all over the world including the United States, Asia, Africa and Europe. In Europe, it is known to disrupt ecosystems such as competition with native crayfish. In this study, habitats of red swamp crawfish were identified in Jiseok stream (15.5 km section) and Daecho stream (6.1 km section) of Youngsan river. A total 33 red swamp crawfish were captured. A female captured in Jiseok stream carried 215 newly hatched red swamp crawfish in her the burrow. As a result of the analysis of the habitat environment, the water temperature was ranged of 2.4~32.8℃, conductivity was 53.4~502.3 μS cm^-1 and DO was 0.74~22.64 mg L^-1. As a result of measuring HOBO, the temperature ranged from -9~48.1℃, showing a change of 57.1℃ throughout the year. The variation of the water temperature throughout the year from 2.9~33.9℃ was found to be 31℃. Red swamp crawfish have a high adaptability and a wide range of environmental resistance, and report a sharp increase in newly invaded areas, negatively affecting indigenous organisms. In addition, it can be used as a medium for the spread of diseases and parasites, so prompt investigation and research should be carried out.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.325-334
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• 2023

The invasive red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is native to south-central United States and northeastern Mexico. Recently, it has been being spreading in the wild in South Korea. However, its primary sources, introduction routes, establishment, and expansion in South Korea remain unclear. Here, we analyzed genetic diversity and population genetic structures of its domestic natural populations during early invasion, commercial stock from local aquaria (a suspected introduction source), and original United States population using mitochondrial COI gene sequences for 267 individuals and eight microsatellite markers for 158 individuals. Natural and commercial populations of P. clarkii showed reduced genetic diversity (e.g., haplotype diversity and allelic richness). The highest genetic diversity was observed in one original source population based on both genetic markers. Despite a large number of individuals in commercial aquaria, we detected remarkably low genetic diversity and only three haplotypes among 226 individuals, suggesting an inbred population likely originating from a small founder group. Additionally, the low genetic diversity in the natural population indicates a small effective population size during early establishment of P. clarkii in South Korea. Interestingly, genetic differentiation between natural populations and the United States population was lower than that between natural populations and aquarium populations. This suggests that various genetic types from the United States likely have entered different domestic aquariums, leading to distinct natural populations through separate pathways. Results of our study will provide an insight on the level of genetic divergence and population differentiation during the initial stage of invasion of non-indigenous species into new environments.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.242-249
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• 2023

The aquarium pet trade is a source of potentially invasive crayfish species, which can be subsequently intentionally or unintentionally introduced into new environments. There were 34 species of freshwater crayfish imported into Korea for ornamental purposes. Starting with 1 species in 2008, it shows a trend of continuous increase every year with the maximum of 25 species in 2020. The number of freshwater crayfish imported into Korea for ornamental purposes was 1,172,159, with an annual average of 78,144 being imported. The population also recorded a record high in 2017 with a 38% increase in population imports compared to the previous year. Among the 34 pet crayfish imported into Korea, four species classified as high-risk and managed in the US and Europe were American crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), Cherax quadricarinatus, Cherax cainii, and Cherax destructor. In addition to American crayfish (P. clarkii), 3 types of high-risk invasive crayfish are designated as legally managed species by conducting an ecological risk assessment, raising awareness among importers, retailers and consumers through awareness-raising education on freshwater crayfish, and measures for route management such as species identification and improvement of labeling methods are needed.